Typical plant conceptual metaphors in Russian and Chinese political discourse

• Published in: Litera no. 5; pp. 115 - 127
• Main Author: Wan, Yanxin
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.05.2025
• ISSN: 2409-8698; 2409-8698
• DOI: 10.25136/2409-8698.2025.5.74489

This article is dedicated to the problem of plant conceptual metaphors in Russian and Chinese political discourse. The aim of the article is to identify the role of conceptual metaphors based on the human conceptual sphere of "plants" as one of the fundamental human cognitive methods in Russian and Chinese political discourse. The subject of this study is the typical metaphorical images of plants in the political discourses of the two countries, the source domains from which these plant conceptual metaphors are formed, empirical dimensions of conceptualization and structuring of the everyday conceptual sphere of "plant," target domains in the process of metaphorical expansion, similarities and differences in the use of plant conceptual metaphors in Russian and Chinese political discourse, the mechanism of metaphor functioning in the human cognitive mechanism, and the functions of metaphors in political communication. The article employs the following research methods: cognitive method, conceptual method, comparative method, frame analysis, description, analysis, synthesis, classification, and generalization. The conclusion is that in Russian and Chinese political discourse, the same typical source areas of plant metaphors can be observed, including "Parts of a Plant," "Growth and Reproduction of Plants," and "Human Participation in the Life Cycle of Plants." On one hand, due to a similar cultural background and uniform political positions on certain political realities, the use of conceptual plant metaphors in Russian and Chinese political discourse shows similarities. On the other hand, based on the differences in history, culture, and language, speakers of the two languages may use the same metaphorical image to denote different political realities. Furthermore, in political communication, metaphor serves cognitive, communicative, and aesthetic functions. The novelty of this article lies in the fact that it is the first comparative study of plant metaphors in Russian and Chinese political discourse and enriches the previous classification of plant metaphors. Given that diplomatic relations between Russia and China are currently at their highest level, the article adapts to the real needs of political exchanges between the two countries. The results of this work can be used in practical classes on comparative linguistics, cognitive linguistics, and translation.